The Israeli government will buy 50 cutting-edge U.S.-made fighter jets to bolster its air power. The move follows the recent full-scale armed clash with Iran, which underscored the absolute importance of advanced air power.
On the 3rd (local time), according to a compilation of major outlets including The Times of Israel and Reuters, Israel's defense procurement committee approved a plan to additionally acquire 25 Lockheed Martin F-35I stealth fighters and 25 Boeing F-15IA fighters.
This weapons purchase is the first step in a long-term force buildup plan in which the Ministry of National Defense will invest about 130 trillion won (350 billion shekels) over the next 10 years. The total purchase volume amounts to tens of trillions of won. Of that, 8.6 billion dollars (about 11.6 trillion won) was spent just on the contract with Boeing to introduce 25 F-15IA jets (including an additional option for 25), The Times of Israel reported. The specific standalone contract value with Lockheed Martin was not disclosed.
With this step, the Israeli Air Force will complete a future force of 100 F-35Is and 50 F-15IAs, including existing orders. The new batches will be delivered to the Israeli military sequentially starting in 2028 for the F-35I and in 2031 for the F-15IA.
The Israeli leadership said on its website that it concluded that powerful air power played a decisive role in striking enemy territory during the so-called "Roaring Lion Operation" from late February to early April, explaining the purchase rationale.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized, "Israel is stronger than ever, and Israel must always be much stronger than our enemies." He added, "Our pilots can reach anywhere over Iranian airspace and are ready to do so if required." Minister of National Defense Israel Katz said, "The lesson of this operation is that we must continue to push force buildup to secure air superiority for decades," adding, "The top priority is to ensure that the military is equipped with the tools and capabilities to conduct operations anytime, anywhere."
Experts predicted that the large-scale arms transaction would further solidify the military alliance between the United States and Israel. Amir Baram, Israel's Ministry of National Defense chief, said, "Alongside the wartime need for immediate weapons procurement, we have a responsibility to act now to secure military superiority 10 years from now," adding, "This operation has once again made clear how important the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel is, and how essential advanced air power is."